Patti Annexstad
Executive Director Patti Annexstad has held many leadership roles within the Foundation since its inception in 2000. In her current role, Patti provides leadership, oversight and strategic planning while guiding the organization to fulfill the mission of supporting deserving and determined young adults through scholarship and mentorship. She finds great inspiration and motivation from the drive and tenacity of the Annexstad scholars. Patti served in leadership roles across many organizations in the Twin Cities area including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Edina Education Fund, and a number of youth sports committees. Patti received her bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics from Indiana University. Patti also received her non-profit business certification from the University of Notre Dame and has completed coursework towards a Certified Financial Professional certification through Minnesota State University, Mankato. Outside of her Foundation duties, Patti enjoys exercising, reading, keeping up with her favorite sports teams (especially the St. Louis Cardinals), and perfecting soup recipes during the long and cold Minnesota winters.
Executive Director
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Elin Wahman
Elin Wahman is the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Annexstad Family Foundation where she oversees program and communication strategy to strengthen strategic partnerships and ensure scholar resources are more accessible. Elin organizes virtual programs and events and works with industry experts to bring insight and advice to the Annexstad scholar community. Elin also takes the lead on many internal and external projects to streamline processes and ensure Foundation goals and objectives are met on time. Elin currently serves as a volunteer reading to preschoolers through the Denver Public Library’s Read Aloud program and is a member of the American Marketing Association and the National Scholarship Providers Association. Elin received her bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communications and Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota. She is currently pursuing her studies in Data Analytics at the University of Chicago. In her free time, Elin enjoys planning her next adventure, skiing – on snow and on water, and mastering a new recipe in the kitchen.
Director of Strategic Initiatives
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Zack Haas
Zack Haas joined the Annexstad Family Foundation team in 2017 and has served as the Regional Program Manager for our Central academic partners and scholarship programs. In his role, Zack works directly with university administrators to provide access and opportunity for AFF scholars. Zack has dedicated his career to support undergraduate student success through various roles at the University of Minnesota and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Zack is also an active member of the National Scholarship Providers Association. Zack earned his master’s from the University of Minnesota in Organizational Leadership and Policy Development in Higher Education and his bachelor’s from the University of Minnesota in Strategic Communications. In his free time, Zack enjoys watching sports, playing card and board games, and catching up on his favorite Netflix series.
Regional Program Manager
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Maja Klos-Gromadzka
Maja Klos-Gromadzka joined the Annexstad Family Foundation in May of 2022 as the Regional Program Manager for our southern academic partners. Prior to AFF, Maja spent 5 years in various roles at the University of Georgia’s Office of Student Financial Aid most recently as the Associate Director of Eligibility Verification. An alumna of the Leaders for Tomorrow scholarship, Maja earned her bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and Spanish from the University of Georgia in 2016.
Maja enjoys spending time outside, reading New York Times Best Sellers, and keeping up with pop culture news in her free time.
Regional Program Manager
[email protected]